Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Below you will find more information about Vitamin B12 Deficiency from Medigest. If you believe that you are suffering from any of the symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency it is important that you obtain an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure that you obtain the correct medication or treatment for your condition. There are medical conditions that carry similar symptoms associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency and therefore the information provided by Medigest is offered as a guideline only and should never be used in preference to seeking professional medical advice. The information relating to Vitamin B12 Deficiency comes from a third party source and Medigest will not be held liable for any inaccuracies relating to the information shown.

Definition

Vitamin B12 deficiency is the deficiency which usually result from the failure of the digestive tract to absorb Vitamin B12 or Cobalomin which is necessary for making red blood cells and which is responsible for keeping the nervous system functioning. It is said that this deficiency may cause irreversible damage to the person's nerve (Insel, P., Turner, E., Ross, D. (2005). Discovering Nutrition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, p. 353).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes own observation of symptoms and consequently physical examination and medical history evaluation of physician. Medical tests which include blood tests for Vitamin B12 levels to check for antibodies to the intrinsic factors are also used to confirm the condition (Griffith H.W., Moore, S., (2006). Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery, Perigee, p. 148).

Treatment

Treatment includes Vitamin B12 replacement and Vitamin B12 therapy or diet. Administration of Vitamin B12 supplements is also advised.

Symptoms and Signs

Its symptoms usually develop slowly and take time to be notice. The most prevalent symptoms are the following: weakness especially in the arms and legs, sore tongue, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty in maintaining proper balance, pale lips, tongue and gums, yellowish eyes and skin, bleeding of the gums, shortness of breathing, depression, confusion, poor memory and dementia, headache and tinnitus or the ringing of the ear.

Causes

Vitamin B12 is due to the lack of intrinsic factor which is a substance made by cells in the stomach that makes it possible to absorb Vitamin B12. The reason for the lack of intrinsic factor is unknown which maybe an autoimmune reaction, a genetic factor, or both.